Process for making a refastenable side seam, apparatus and article having that refastenable side seam

ABSTRACT

A process and an apparatus for making a refastenable side seam of an hygienic absorbent article efficiently, without the need to remove scrap and which allows refastenable side seams to be obtained which are ergonomic, aesthetically pleasing, easily identifiable by the user and such that they do not reduce the wearability of the article. The disclosure also relates to a hygienic absorbent article provided with at least one refastenable side seam. The disclosure also relates to a process and an apparatus for carrying out one or more operations on elastic panels usable for making an hygienic absorbent article provided with at least one refastenable side seam.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Italian Patent Application No.102018000009005 filed Oct. 1, 2018. The disclosure of the aboveapplication is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a process for making arefastenable side seam of a hygienic absorbent article, such as adiaper, a training pant, an incontinence diaper, a sanitary towel, orother articles intended to absorb bodily fluids.

Here and below, by refastenable side seam it is meant any refastenableseam suitable for connecting two panels of a hygienic absorbent articlein a removable manner, said refastenable seam also being called in thesector a “reclosable side seam”, or “refastenable side seam”.

Embodiments of the present invention also relate to an apparatus formaking a refastenable side seam of a hygienic absorbent article, as wellas to a hygienic absorbent article having at least one such refastenableside seam.

Embodiments of the present invention also relate to a process for makinga panel provided with connecting means constituting a refastenable sideseam of a hygienic absorbent article.

Here and below, by panel it is meant a component intended for a hygienicabsorbent article which may be part of a chain of articles being formed,may be obtained from the latter, or may be a separate component.

BACKGROUND ART

It is known to make hygienic absorbent articles provided withrefastenable side seams from a chain of articles being formed which isadvanced along a machine direction, the articles being formed havingtheir longitudinal axis positioned transversely to the machinedirection.

That production technique is called “cross direction” and isdistinguished from another technique in the sector called “machinedirection”, in which the hygienic absorbent articles are made while theyare advanced with their longitudinal axis parallel to the machinedirection.

Possible cross direction implementations provide for the use of a chainof articles being formed comprising two elastic bands which are parallelto and spaced from each other transversely to the machine direction, anda plurality of absorbent bodies associated with the elastic bandsorthogonally to the machine direction.

Other cross direction implementations provide for the use of acontinuous sheet which is shaped along the path in such a way as to forma chain of articles provided with a plurality of leg openings betweenwhich the absorbent bodies of the individual articles are positionedorthogonally to the machine direction.

Depending on the specific cross direction implementation used, it ispossible to make the refastenable side seams by applying suitableconnecting elements on the chain of articles for each of the articleswhich it comprises.

The connecting elements may comprise conjugated hook and loop elements,which are also known by the brand name of Velcro® systems, adhesives, orother elements suitable for connecting two portions of an article toeach other in a removable manner.

Those connecting elements may be directly associated with a portion ofan article or may be associated with another connecting elementconjugated thereto, in such a way as to connect two portions of anarticle to each other in a removable manner.

Once the connecting elements have been applied on the chain of articles,the latter may be folded along an axis parallel to the machinedirection, in such a way as to superimpose on each other the portionswhich will form the waist panels of the individual articles.

In order to separate the articles of the cross-direction chain ofarticles, it is known to make a plurality of transverse cuts relative tothe machine direction, in such a way as to obtain hygienic absorbentarticles, each provided with at least one refastenable side seam.

It is known that such operations, besides being particularly complex andsubject to errors, involve the presence of scrap which may be removed,or may be kept on the article.

Should the scrap be removed, that would require the presence of specialdedicated removal units which, besides complicating the apparatusitself, need frequent maintenance and are also very expensive in botheconomic and energy terms.

In this context, at the expense of the wearability and aesthetic qualityof the articles, some manufacturers are known to prefer keeping thescrap on the articles, thereby avoiding having to remove it.

The articles obtained in this way are not very ergonomic, since at therefastenable side seams the scrap reduces the wearability of the articleand also hides the refastenable seam itself which is not easilyidentified by the user, or by the parent if the article is a diaper.

It is known that if the scrap is kept on the articles it may obstruct,or even damage, some units of the production apparatus which, in themost serious cases, means having to interrupt production in order torestore optimum operating conditions.

Therefore, the need exists to improve and make available a process formaking a refastenable side seam of a hygienic absorbent article, arelated apparatus, and a hygienic absorbent article comprising thatrefastenable side seam, which overcome at least one of the disadvantagesof the prior art.

One aim of the present invention is to provide an efficient process formaking a refastenable side seam of a hygienic absorbent article, whichalso allows to obtain ergonomic refastenable side seams.

It is also an aim of the present invention to provide an apparatus formaking a side seam which does not require the use of a scrap removalunit.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide a hygienic absorbentarticle provided with refastenable side seams which are aestheticallypleasing, easily identifiable by the user and such that they do notreduce the wearability of the article.

A further aim of the present invention is to provide a process formaking a panel provided with connecting means constituting arefastenable side seam of a hygienic absorbent article.

It is also an aim of the present invention to provide a process forcarrying out one or more operations, such as cutting operations, in aprecise way, avoiding damaging the articles being formed.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide an apparatus forcarrying out one or more operations in a precise way, avoiding damagingthe articles being formed.

In order to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to achievethese and further aims and advantages, the Applicant has studied,experimented and produced the present invention.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is described and characterized in the independentclaims, whilst the dependent claims set out the other characteristics ofthe present invention or variants of the main solution idea.

According to the above-mentioned aims, the present invention relates toa process for making a refastenable side seam of a hygienic absorbentarticle suitable for connecting a first elastic panel with a secondelastic panel in a removable manner. According to possible embodiments,the process may provide for:

-   -   supplying the first elastic panel and the second elastic panel        each comprising a first layer and a second layer between which        at least one elastic element is comprised associated with the        first layer and the second layer;    -   keeping the first elastic panel and the second elastic panel in        extended condition along a respective linear direction;    -   fixing at least one connecting element on a respective surface        portion of the first elastic panel and/or of the second elastic        panel;    -   cutting the first elastic panel and/or the second elastic panel        so that part of the first elastic panel and/or of the second        elastic panel retracts towards the respective surface portion to        obtain a respective retracted portion next to the respective        surface portion, wherein the connecting element is configured to        connect the first elastic panel with the second elastic panel        directly, or by means of another connecting element conjugated        thereto, so as to make the refastenable side seam.

That aspect allows a refastenable side seam to be obtained without theneed to remove the scrap, and which does not compromise the wearabilityof the hygienic absorbent article, at the same time making the latteraesthetically pleasing.

That solution also allows a refastenable side seam to be obtained whichis easily identifiable by a parent, or by the user, since the retractedportion does not hide the connecting elements of the refastenable sideseam.

Moreover, the process for making a side seam is simplified compared withthe prior art and at the same time is more rapid.

According to possible embodiments, the process provides for theconnecting element being able to project beyond the respective surfaceportion so that the respective retracted portion is at least partiallyhidden by the connecting element.

According to possible embodiments, the first elastic panel and thesecond elastic panel may be superimposed, are kept in extended conditionalong a common linear direction and are cut transversely to the commonlinear direction.

According to possible embodiments, at least one of the surface portionsmay be facing towards the outside of the assembly constituted by thesuperimposed first elastic panel and second elastic panel.

According to possible embodiments, the present invention also relates toan apparatus for making a refastenable side seam of a hygienic absorbentarticle suitable for connecting a first elastic panel with a secondelastic panel in a removable manner, wherein the first elastic panel andthe second elastic panel each comprise a first layer and a second layerbetween which at least one elastic element is comprised associated withthe first layer and the second layer.

According to possible embodiments, the apparatus may comprise:

-   -   a supply unit configured to supply the first elastic panel and        the second elastic panel, provided with respective means for        keeping the first elastic panel and the second elastic panel in        extended condition along a respective linear direction;    -   an application unit configured to fix at least one connecting        element on a respective surface portion of the first elastic        panel and/or of the second elastic panel;    -   a cutting unit configured to cut the first elastic panel and/or        the second elastic panel so that part of the first elastic panel        and/or of the second elastic panel retracts towards the        respective surface portion, wherein the connecting element is        configured to connect the first elastic panel with the second        elastic panel directly, or by means of another connecting        element conjugated thereto, so as to make the refastenable side        seam.

According to possible embodiments, the apparatus provides for theconnecting element being able to project beyond the respective surfaceportion so that the respective retracted portion is at least partiallyhidden by the connecting element.

That solution allows an apparatus to be provided which does not have adedicated scrap removal unit, since the retracted portion does not needto be removed.

According to possible embodiments, the present invention also relates toa hygienic absorbent article provided with at least one refastenableside seam suitable for connecting a first elastic panel with a secondelastic panel in a removable manner, wherein the first elastic panel andthe second elastic panel each comprise a first layer and a second layerbetween which at least one elastic element is comprised associated withthe first layer and the second layer, wherein the first elastic paneland/or the second elastic panel are provided with at least oneconnecting element fixed on a respective surface portion of the firstelastic panel and/or of the second elastic panel, wherein the connectingelement is configured to connect the first elastic panel with the secondelastic panel directly, or by means of another connecting elementconjugated thereto, so as to make the refastenable side seam, andwherein the first elastic panel and/or the second elastic panel comprisea respective retracted portion next to the respective surface portion.

That hygienic absorbent article is provided with refastenable side seamswhich are aesthetically pleasing, easily identifiable by the user andsuch that they do not reduce the wearability of the article.

According to possible embodiments, the present invention also relates toa process for making an elastic panel provided with a connecting elementfor making a refastenable side seam of a hygienic absorbent article.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the process mayprovide for:

-   -   supplying the elastic panel comprising a first layer and a        second layer between which at least one elastic element is        comprised associated with the first layer and the second layer;    -   keeping the elastic panel in extended condition along a linear        direction;    -   fixing the connecting element on a surface portion of the        elastic panel;    -   cutting the elastic panel so that part of the elastic panel        retracts towards the surface portion to obtain a retracted        portion next to the surface portion.

According to possible embodiments, the connecting element may projectbeyond the surface portion so that the retracted portion is at leastpartially hidden by the connecting element.

According to possible embodiments, the elastic panel may be cuttransversely to the linear direction.

According to possible embodiments, the present invention also relates toa process for carrying out one or more operations on elastic panelsusable for making a hygienic absorbent article provided with at leastone refastenable side seam suitable for connecting two of the elasticpanels to each other in a removable manner, wherein each of the elasticpanels comprises a first layer and a second layer between which at leastone elastic element is comprised associated with the first layer and thesecond layer, wherein at least two of the elastic panels are providedwith at least one respective connecting element fixed on a respectivesurface portion of the respective elastic panel.

According to possible embodiments, the process may provide for keepingthe elastic panels superimposed and in extended condition along a lineardirection by means of suction, whilst the surface portions are offsetrelative to each other, in such a way as to carry out one or moreoperations on at least one of the superimposed elastic panels.

According to possible embodiments, the process may provide for suckingthe elastic panels simultaneously from one of the outer surfaces of oneof the elastic panels, wherein the elastic panels are breathable to air.

That allows simplification of the apparatus which performs that process,since the suction occurs from a single outer surface of the assembly ofsuperimposed elastic panels.

According to possible embodiments, the process may provide for cuttingthe elastic panels in such a way that part of each of the elastic panelsretracts towards the respective surface portion to obtain a respectiveretracted portion next to the respective surface portion.

According to possible embodiments, the present invention also relates toan apparatus for carrying out one or more operations on elastic panelsusable for making a hygienic absorbent article provided with at leastone refastenable side seam suitable for connecting two of the elasticpanels to each other in a removable manner, wherein each of the elasticpanels comprises a first layer and a second layer between which at leastone elastic element is comprised associated with the first layer and thesecond layer.

According to possible embodiments, the apparatus may comprise:

-   -   a supply unit configured to supply the elastic panels;    -   an application unit configured to fix connecting elements on a        respective surface portion of the elastic panels;    -   a suction unit configured to keep the elastic panels        superimposed and in extended condition along a linear direction        by means of suction, whilst the surface portions are offset        relative to each other, in such a way as to carry out one or        more operations on at least one of the superimposed elastic        panels.

According to possible embodiments, the suction unit may be configured tosuck the elastic panels simultaneously from one of the outer surfaces ofone of the elastic panels, wherein the elastic panels are breathable toair.

According to possible embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a cuttingunit configured to cut the elastic panels in such a way that part ofeach of the elastic panels retracts towards the respective surfaceportion to obtain a respective retracted portion next to the respectivesurface portion.

According to possible embodiments, the apparatus provides for at leastone of the connecting elements being able to project beyond therespective surface portion so that the retracted portion is at leastpartially hidden by at least one of the connecting elements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the present invention will become apparentfrom the following description of non-limiting embodiments, provided byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate an elastic panel provided with aconnecting element before and after a cut is made according to onepossible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a detail of an elastic panel;

FIGS. 4 and 5 schematically illustrate a first elastic panel and asecond elastic panel provided with respective connecting elements beforeand after a cut is made according to one possible embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 6 and 7 schematically illustrate a first elastic panel and asecond elastic panel provided with respective connecting elements beforeand after a cut is made according to one possible embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 8 and 9 schematically illustrate a first elastic panel and asecond elastic panel provided with respective connecting elements beforeand after a cut is made according to one possible embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 10 to 12 schematically illustrate a first elastic panel providedwith connecting elements and a second elastic panel during differentsteps of a process according to one possible embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates part of an apparatus for makinghygienic absorbent articles provided with refastenable side seamsaccording to one possible embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 14 and 15 schematically illustrate a portion of a chain ofarticles being formed in two steps of a process according to onepossible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a hygienic absorbent article providedwith refastenable side seams according to one possible embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates a detail of a hygienic absorbentarticle provided with refastenable side seams according to one possibleembodiment of the present invention.

For clarity, where possible, identical reference numbers have been usedto identify common elements which are identical in the figures. It shallbe understood that elements and features of one embodiment may beappropriately incorporated in other embodiments without furtherexplanation.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described herein, with reference to the figures, relate to aprocess and to an apparatus 24 for making a refastenable side seam 10 ofa hygienic absorbent article 11 suitable for connecting two elasticpanels 12 of the article 11 in a removable manner, that is to say, insuch a way that the article 11 can be opened/closed, byseparating/connecting two elastic panels 12 which are part of thelatter.

Here and below, by the term “refastenable side seam” it is meant anyrefastenable seam, whether it is located in a lateral zone, or inanother zone, of the article 11 as is commonly understood in the sectorwith reference to a “reclosable side seam”, or “refastenable side seam”.

For the purpose of illustration and without thereby limiting the scopeof the present invention, the figures schematically illustrate hygienicabsorbent articles 11 which are part of a chain 13 of articles beingformed, or are obtained from it.

The chain 13 may comprise two elastic bands 14 with which a plurality ofabsorbent bodies 15 are associated, or a shaped continuous sheet havinga plurality of leg openings between which the absorbent bodies 15 arepositioned, or other types of assemblies which define a plurality ofarticles 11 being formed.

For the purpose of illustration and without thereby limiting the scopeof the present invention to a specific type of chain 13 of articlesbeing formed, hereinafter reference will be made to a plurality ofelastic panels 12 which are part of the elastic bands 14 and which maybe separated from the latter.

According to possible embodiments of the present invention, it shall beunderstood that any operation carried out on one or more of the elasticpanels 12 may occur either while they are part of the chain 13 ofarticles being formed, or while they are separate from the latter.

According to possible embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , thepresent invention relates to a process for making an elastic panel 12provided with a connecting element 16 for making a refastenable sideseam 10 of a hygienic absorbent article 11.

According to possible embodiments, the process may provide for:

-   -   supplying an elastic panel 12 comprising a first layer 17 and a        second layer 18 between which at least one elastic element 19 is        comprised associated with the first layer 17 and the second        layer 18;    -   keeping the elastic panel 12 in extended condition along a        linear direction;    -   fixing the connecting element 16 on a surface portion 20 of the        elastic panel 12;    -   cutting the elastic panel 12 so that part of the elastic panel        12 retracts towards the surface portion 20 to obtain a retracted        portion 21 next to the surface portion 20.

According to possible embodiments, the process provides that theconnecting element 16 project beyond the surface portion 20 so that theretracted portion 21 is at least partially hidden by the connectingelement 16.

According to possible embodiments, the process provides that the elasticpanel 12 be cut transversely to the linear direction.

According to possible embodiments, the elastic element 19 may be anelastic thread, an elastic tape, or other similar elements, or anelastic layer, breathable at least to air, capable of giving elasticityto the elastic panel 12.

For example, the elastic panel 12 may comprise a plurality of elasticelements 19, whether they are elastic threads, elastic tapes, orcombinations thereof, associated with a first layer 17 and a secondlayer 18 which comprise a non-extendible material, for example anon-woven material. In this example, the composite sheet resulting fromthe combination of the first layer 17, the second layer 18 and theelastic elements 19 is an elastic panel 12.

According to possible embodiments, the at least one elastic element 19may be associated with the first layer 17 and with the second layer 18in extended condition in such a way that the elastic panel 12 in relaxedcondition has a length which is less than that which it has in extendedcondition.

The elasticity provided by the elastic element 19 associated with thefirst layer 17 and with the second layer 18 in extended condition allowsan elastic panel 12 to be obtained which can be suitably processed toobtain one or more retracted portions 21.

According to possible embodiments, the at least one elastic element 19may be associated with the first layer 17 and with the second layer 18by gluing in extended condition.

According to possible embodiments, between the elastic element 19 andthe first layer 17 and/or between the elastic element 19 and the secondlayer 18 there may be adhesive zones 22. For example, those adhesivezones 22 may comprise glue, or an adhesive material.

According to possible embodiments, the at least one elastic element 19may be associated with the first layer 17 and with the second layer 18by trapping it between them in extended condition by means of a suitabletrapping pattern.

That trapping pattern may comprise a plurality of welds suitablypositioned relative to the elastic element 19 for locally trapping thelatter in extended condition, or relaxed condition.

In this way, the welds not only define the position of the elasticelement 19 but also allow local definition of its elastic properties.

According to possible embodiments, the elastic panel 12 may comprise atleast one elastic portion.

According to possible embodiments, the elastic portion covers the entireextent of the elastic panel 12.

According to possible embodiments, one of the elastic portions coversmost of the extent of the elastic panel 12.

According to possible embodiments, the elastic panel 12 may comprise atleast one elastic portion and at least one non-elastic portion, whereinthe elastic portion comprises at least one elastic element 19, and thenon-elastic portion is not provided with an elastic element 19, or isprovided with an inhibited elastic element 19, that is to say, whoseelastic properties are impeded, or considerably reduced. For example,the elastic element 19 may be inhibited by suitably trapping parts of itby means of a defined trapping pattern.

Such possible embodiments of an elastic panel 12 may be used to obtain apanel for the hygienic absorbent article 11 having differentiated zonesand provided with one or more retracted portions 21.

According to possible embodiments, the connecting element 16 may befixed on a surface portion 20 of the first layer 17 and/or of the secondlayer 18 of the elastic panel 12.

According to possible embodiments, the connecting element 16 may befixed on the surface portion 20 by gluing, or by welding, in such a wayas to obtain a connecting layer 23. Fixing the connecting element 16 bywelding is advantageous, since there is no need to use glue.

By surface portion 20 it is meant the portion of the elastic panel 12which is connected to the connecting element 16. Depending on the cases,the surface portion 20 may be connected to part of the connectingelement 16, in such a way that a portion of the connecting element 16 isnot connected to the elastic panel 12.

According to possible embodiments, the connecting element 16 maycomprise a hook element, a loop element suitable for being connected toa conjugated hook element, an adhesive, or other elements suitable forconnecting the elastic panels 12 in a removable manner.

For example, the connecting element 16 may be configured to be removablyassociated with an elastic panel 12 directly, or by means of anotherconnecting element 16.

According to possible embodiments, the connecting element 16 may projectbeyond the surface portion 20 so that the retracted portion 21 is atleast partially hidden by the connecting element 16.

That aspect allows the retracted portion 21 to be at least partiallyhidden so that, besides not obstructing the refastenable side seam 10,it does not alter the aesthetic appearance and does not in turn hide theconnecting elements 16 from the user who intends to open the article 11.

According to possible embodiments, should the retracted portion 21 havea length in relaxed condition that is less than or equal to theprojecting portion of the connecting element 16, the retracted portion21 may be completely hidden by the connecting element 16.

According to possible embodiments, should the retracted portion 21 havea length in relaxed condition that is greater than the projectingportion of the connecting element 16, the retracted portion 21 may bepartially hidden by the connecting element 16.

According to possible embodiments, the elastic panel 12 may be cuttransversely to the linear direction.

According to possible embodiments, the elastic panel 12 may be cutmechanically, for example with metal blades, or by means of a laserdevice, or by means of a thermal cutting device.

According to possible embodiments, the present invention also relates toa process for making a refastenable side seam 10 of a hygienic absorbentarticle 11 suitable for connecting a first elastic panel 112 with asecond elastic panel 212 in a removable manner.

For the purpose of illustration and without thereby limiting the scopeof the present invention, in the figures the reference numbers 12, 112and 212 indicate elastic panels which may be identical, or whichcomprise different components, parts, or properties.

According to possible embodiments, the process may provide for:

-   -   supplying the first elastic panel 112 and the second elastic        panel 212 each comprising a first layer 17 and a second layer 18        between which at least one elastic element 19 is comprised        associated with the first layer 17 and the second layer 18;    -   keeping the first elastic panel 112 and the second elastic panel        212 in extended condition along a linear direction;    -   fixing at least one connecting element 16 on a respective        surface portion 20 of the first elastic panel 112 and/or of the        second elastic panel 212;    -   cutting the first elastic panel 112 and/or the second elastic        panel 212 so that part of the first elastic panel 112 and/or of        the second elastic panel 212 retracts towards the respective        surface portion 20 to obtain a respective retracted portion 21        next to the respective surface portion 20, wherein the        connecting element 16 is configured to connect the first elastic        panel 112 with the second elastic panel 212 directly, or by        means of another connecting element 16 conjugated thereto, so as        to make the refastenable side seam 10.

According to possible embodiments, the process may provide for keepingthe first elastic panel 112 and the second elastic panel 212 in extendedcondition along a respective linear direction.

According to possible embodiments, the process may provide for keepingthe first elastic panel 112 and the second elastic panel 212 in extendedcondition along a common linear direction.

According to possible embodiments, the process may provide for keepingthe first elastic panel 112 and the second elastic panel 212 in extendedcondition and at least superimposed along a common linear direction.

According to possible embodiments, the process may provide for thecutting the first elastic panel 112 or the second elastic panel 212along a cutting line C.

In this case, the retracted portion 21 is generated on the elastic panel112 or 212 which is cut.

According to possible embodiments, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 ,following cutting of one of the elastic panels 112 or 212 it is possibleto carry out further operations either on the elastic panel 112 cut, oron the other elastic panel 212, as well as on both of the elastic panels112 and 212.

For example, it is possible to suitably fold, or reposition, the edgesof the elastic panel 112 which has been cut.

According to possible embodiments, the process may provide for cuttingthe first elastic panel 112 and the second elastic panel 212 along acommon cutting line C. In this case, a respective retracted portion 21is generated on both of the elastic panels 112 and 212 which have beencut.

According to possible embodiments, the connecting element 16 may projectbeyond the respective surface portion 20 so that the respectiveretracted portion 21 is at least partially hidden by the connectingelement 16.

According to possible embodiments, the first elastic panel 112 and thesecond elastic panel 212 are superimposed, are kept in extendedcondition along a common linear direction and are cut transversely tothe common linear direction.

For example, the common linear direction may coincide with one of thelinear directions of the first elastic panel 112 and the second elasticpanel 212.

That aspect allows both of the elastic panels 112 and 212 to be cutsimultaneously, or one after the other, at the same time guaranteeingthe precision of the cuts which may be made along cutting lines Clocated in different zones.

According to possible embodiments, the process may provide that at leastone of the surface portions 20 face towards the outside of the assemblyconstituted by the superimposed first elastic panel 112 and secondelastic panel 212.

That embodiment simplifies the operations for application of theconnecting elements 18, facilitates the execution of the cuts and at theend of the process allows a refastenable side seam 10 to be obtainedwhich is located far from the user, that is to say, facing outwardstowards the side which, in use, is in contact with clothing.

According to possible embodiments, the present invention also relates toan apparatus 24 for making a refastenable side seam 10 of a hygienicabsorbent article 11 suitable for connecting a first elastic panel 112with a second elastic panel 212 in a removable manner, wherein the firstelastic panel 112 and the second elastic panel 212 each comprise a firstlayer 17 and a second layer 18 between which at least one elasticelement 19 is comprised associated with the first layer 17 and thesecond layer 18.

According to possible embodiments, the apparatus 24 may comprise:

-   -   a supply unit 25 configured to supply the first elastic panel        112 and the second elastic panel 212, provided with respective        means for keeping the first elastic panel 112 and the second        elastic panel 212 in extended condition along a linear        direction;    -   an application unit 26 configured to fix at least one connecting        element 16 on a respective surface portion 20 of the first        elastic panel 112 and/or of the second elastic panel 212;    -   a cutting unit 27 configured to cut the first elastic panel 112        and/or the second elastic panel 212 so that part of the first        elastic panel 112 and/or of the second elastic panel 212        retracts towards the respective surface portion 20, wherein the        connecting element 16 is configured to connect the first elastic        panel 112 with the second elastic panel 212 directly, or by        means of another connecting element 16 conjugated thereto, so as        to make the refastenable side seam 10.

That solution allows an apparatus 24 to be provided which does not havea dedicated scrap removal unit, since the retracted portion 21 does notneed to be removed.

According to possible embodiments, the apparatus 24 may provide that theconnecting element 16 project beyond the respective surface portion 20so that the respective retracted portion 21 is at least partially hiddenby the connecting element 16.

According to possible embodiments, the supply unit 25 may comprisespecific means for keeping the elastic panels in extended condition foreach of the elastic panels 112 and 212. For example, the means forkeeping the elastic panels 112 and 212 in extended condition maycomprise pulling and/or suction devices. The means for keeping theelastic panels 112 and 212 in extended condition may be configured tokeep the first elastic panel 112 and the second elastic panel 212 inextended condition simultaneously.

According to possible embodiments, the apparatus 24 may comprise aplurality of application units 26 each one intended for fixingconnecting elements 16 on a respective elastic panel 112 and 212.

According to possible embodiments, the apparatus 24 may comprise aplurality of cutting units 27 each one intended for cutting therespective elastic panels 112 and 212 from the corresponding elasticband 14.

According to possible embodiments, the cutting unit 27 may comprise amechanical cutting device, for example with a body provided with one ormore blades, or a laser cutting device, or a thermal cutting device.

According to possible embodiments, not illustrated, the apparatus 24 maycomprise a folding unit configured to fold the chain 13 of articlesbeing formed in such a way as to superimpose the two elastic panels 112and 212 on each other.

According to possible embodiments, the present invention also relates toa hygienic absorbent article 11 provided with at least one refastenableside seam 10 suitable for connecting a first elastic panel 112 with asecond elastic panel 212 in a removable manner, wherein the firstelastic panel 112 and the second elastic panel 212 each comprise a firstlayer 17 and a second layer 18 between which at least one elasticelement 19 is comprised associated with the first layer 17 and thesecond layer 18, wherein the first elastic panel 112 and/or the secondelastic panel 212 are provided with at least one connecting element 16fixed on a respective surface portion 20 of the first elastic panel 112and/or of the second elastic panel 212, wherein the connecting element16 is configured to connect the first elastic panel 112 with the secondelastic panel 212 directly, or by means of another connecting element 16conjugated thereto, so as to make the refastenable side seam 10, andwherein the first elastic panel 112 and/or the second elastic panel 212comprise a respective retracted portion 21 next to the respectivesurface portion 20.

That hygienic absorbent article 11 is provided with refastenable sideseams 10 which are aesthetically pleasing, easily identifiable by theuser and such that they do not reduce the wearability of the article 11.

According to possible embodiments, the article 11 may advantageouslycomprise a connecting element 16 which projects beyond the respectivesurface portion 20 so that the respective retracted portion 21 is atleast partially hidden by the connecting element 16.

According to possible embodiments, the present invention also relates toa process for carrying out one or more operations on elastic panels 112and 212 usable for making a hygienic absorbent article 11 provided withat least one refastenable side seam 10 suitable for connecting two ofthe elastic panels 112 and 212 to each other in a removable manner,wherein each of the elastic panels 112 and 212 comprises a first layer17 and a second layer 18 between which at least one elastic element 19is comprised associated with the first layer 17 and the second layer 18,wherein at least two of the elastic panels 112 and 212 are provided withat least one respective connecting element 16 fixed on a respectivesurface portion 20 of the respective elastic panel 112 and 212.

According to possible embodiments, the process provides for keeping theelastic panels 112 and 212 superimposed and in extended condition alonga linear direction by means of suction, whilst the surface portions 20are offset relative to each other, in such a way as to carry out one ormore operations on at least one of the superimposed elastic panels 112and 212.

That aspect allows the precise and controlled performance of one or moreoperations on at least one of the superimposed elastic panels 112 and212, controlling them and keeping them in position.

According to possible embodiments, the process may provide for suckingthe elastic panels 112 and 212 simultaneously from one of the outersurfaces of one of the elastic panels 112 and 212, wherein the elasticpanels 112 and 212 are breathable to air.

That aspect allows both of the elastic panels 112 and 212 to be retainedin position simultaneously using the same suction so that one or moreoperations can be performed with a high precision on one or both of theelastic panels 112 and 212 keeping under consideration the configurationand shape of both of the elastic panels 112 and 212.

That allows to simplify the apparatus 24 which performs that process,since the suction occurs from a single outer surface of the assembly ofsuperimposed elastic panels 112 and 212.

According to possible embodiments, the process may provide for cuttingthe elastic panels 112 and 212 in such a way that part of each of theelastic panels 112 and 212 retracts towards the respective surfaceportion 20 to obtain a respective retracted portion 21 next to therespective surface portion 20.

According to possible embodiments, the process may provide that at leastone of the connecting elements 16 project beyond the respective surfaceportion 20 so that the respective retracted portion 21 is at leastpartially hidden by at least one of the connecting elements 16.

According to possible embodiments, the present invention also relates toan apparatus 25 for carrying out one or more operations on elasticpanels 112 and 212 usable for making a hygienic absorbent article 11provided with at least one refastenable side seam 10 suitable forconnecting two of the elastic panels 112 and 212 to each other in aremovable manner, wherein each of the elastic panels 112 and 212comprises a first layer 17 and a second layer 18 between which at leastone elastic element 19 is comprised associated with the first layer 17and the second layer 18.

According to possible embodiments, the apparatus 24 may comprise:

-   -   a supply unit 25 configured to supply the elastic panels 112 and        212;    -   an application unit 26 configured to fix connecting elements 16        on a respective surface portion 20 of the elastic panels 112 and        212;    -   a suction unit 28 configured to keep the elastic panels 112 and        212 superimposed and in extended condition along a linear        direction by means of suction, whilst the surface portions 20        are offset relative to each other, in such a way as to carry out        one or more operations on at least one of the superimposed        elastic panels 112, 212.

According to possible embodiments, the suction unit 28 may be configuredto suck the elastic panels 112 and 212 simultaneously from one of theouter surfaces of one of the elastic panels 112 and 212, wherein theelastic panels 112 and 212 are breathable to air.

According to possible embodiments, the apparatus 24 comprises a cuttingunit 27 configured to cut the elastic panels 112 and 212 in such a waythat part of each of the elastic panels 112 and 212 retracts towards therespective surface portion 20 to obtain a respective retracted portion21 next to the respective surface portion 20.

According to possible embodiments, at least one of the connectingelements 16 may project beyond the respective surface portion 20 so thatthe retracted portion 21 is at least partially hidden by at least one ofthe connecting elements.

It is clear that the process, the apparatus 24 and the hygienicabsorbent article 11 comprising at least one refastenable side seam 10described above may be modified and/or have parts added, without therebydeparting from the scope of the present invention. It is also clearthat, although the present invention has been described with referenceto several specific examples, a person skilled in the art will certainlybe able to make many other equivalent embodiments of the process, theapparatus 24 and the article 11 comprising at least one refastenableside seam 10 which have the features described in the claims andtherefore all covered by the scope of protection that they define.

In the claims below, references in brackets are intended only tofacilitate reading and must not be considered to be limiting factors asregards the scope of protection of the specific claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A process for making a refastenable sideseam of an hygienic absorbent article suitable for connecting a firstelastic panel with a second elastic panel in a removable manner,comprising: supplying said first elastic panel and said second elasticpanel each comprising a first layer and a second layer between which atleast one elastic element is comprised associated with said first layerand said second layer; keeping said first elastic panel and said secondelastic panel in extended condition along a linear direction; fixing atleast one connecting element on a respective surface portion of saidfirst elastic panel and/or of said second elastic panel; and cuttingsaid first elastic panel and/or said second elastic panel so that partof said first elastic panel and/or of said second elastic panel retractstowards the respective surface portion to obtain a respective retractedportion next to the respective surface portion, wherein said at leastone connecting element is configured to connect said first elastic panelwith said second elastic panel directly, or by means of anotherconnecting element conjugated thereto, so as to make said refastenableside seam.
 2. The process of claim 1, wherein said at least oneconnecting element projects beyond the respective surface portion sothat the respective retracted portion is at least partially hidden bysaid at least one connecting element.
 3. The process of claim 1, whereinsaid first elastic panel and said second elastic panel are superimposed,are kept in extended condition along a common linear direction and arecut transversely to said common linear direction.
 4. The process ofclaim 3, wherein said respective surface portion faces towards anoutside of an assembly constituted by said first elastic panel and saidsecond elastic panel superimposed.
 5. An apparatus for making arefastenable side seam of an hygienic absorbent article suitable forconnecting a first elastic panel with a second elastic panel in aremovable manner, wherein said first elastic panel and said secondelastic panel each comprise a first layer and a second layer betweenwhich at least one elastic element is comprised associated with saidfirst layer and said second layer, wherein said apparatus includes: asupply unit configured to supply said first elastic panel and saidsecond elastic panel, said supply unit provided with respective meansfor keeping said first elastic panel and said second elastic panel inextended condition along a linear direction; an application unitconfigured to fix at least one connecting element on a respectivesurface portion of said first elastic panel and/or of said secondelastic panel; and a cutting unit configured to cut said first elasticpanel and/or said second elastic panel so that part of said firstelastic panel and/or of said second elastic panel retracts towards therespective surface portion to obtain a respective retracted portion nextto the respective surface portion, wherein said at least one connectingelement is configured to connect said first elastic panel with saidsecond elastic panel directly, or by means of another connecting elementconjugated thereto, so as to make said refastenable side seam.
 6. Aprocess for making an elastic panel provided with a connecting elementfor making a refastenable side seam of an hygienic absorbent article,comprising: supplying said elastic panel comprising a first layer and asecond layer between which at least one elastic element is comprisedassociated with said first layer and said second layer; keeping saidelastic panel in extended condition along a linear direction; fixingsaid connecting element on a surface portion of said elastic panel; andcutting said elastic panel so that part of said elastic panel retractstowards said surface portion to obtain a retracted portion next to saidsurface portion.
 7. The process of claim 6, wherein said connectingelement projects beyond said surface portion so that said retractedportion is at least partially hidden by said connecting element.
 8. Theprocess of claim 6, wherein said elastic panel is cut transversely tosaid linear direction.